Jesus - Part 4, The Hero's Return
2003 : Week 16  |  Website Version Version  |  Read Part 3 Printer Friendly

The hero's return has always captured our imagination. Some of the greatest works in literature have unforgettable scenes as the hero finally gets home. Something in us needs to see these reunions. We understand the pain of being separated from those we love. We don't like to see these separations, but we love to see the reunions: that joyous moment when the bond that was stretched over space and time is finally pulled back. The separated are joined again; this is cause for incredible celebrations.

Americans have just experienced such a time. Soldiers of the United States of America were captured and held prisoner by the forces in Iraq. We all hoped and prayed the prisoners would get back home. When they did, they were greeted by celebrations and overjoyed loved ones. They had risked all to serve America; for this, they were rewarded with love and affection. We have watched these reunions take place on our televisions, and we share in the joy.

There is one hero's return that must have been incredible to see. One celebration must have shaken the foundations of the universe: oh, to have been there. It was for a warrior who was away from home for 33 years. He fought for all people, but they didn't understand His cause. He was beaten, spit on, whipped and cursed by the ones He went to liberate, but He never wavered. He never backed down. He sacrificed His life, so that everyone could have eternal life. It took the greatest man that ever lived to fight the greatest battle that ever was.

After being away from home for 33 years, joyous singing and dancing must have echoed through heaven as Jesus Christ returned to His throne. Did the universe stop to watch? Did the angels He created so long ago cry? They had watched Him suffer on earth, and they wanted desperately to stop it. Every one of them would have traded places with Him, so that the glory of heaven wouldn't have to endure the humiliation, but that was not the plan. As painful as it was, they knew what had to happen. This had passed though, and now only celebration remained. He was back! The sorrow and humiliation had given way to a victorious, resurrected Lord!

What reward does one give to a hero who sacrificed His life so that all sins are forgiven? What prize and honor is worthy of such a noble warrior? What offering should we make? The answer is simple. For the One who granted us eternity, eternal praise and worship is required. The angels in heaven have known this all along, and they have never stopped praising Him. It's time we joined them; praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Christian band Delirious sings a song that envisions Christ's return to heaven. The song and the lyrics are beautiful. No, we have no way of knowing for sure what that moment was like. Still though, when we close our eyes and think about it, we cannot help but smile, since it must have been magnificent:

Did you feel the mountains tremble?
Did you hear the oceans roar?
When the people rose to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one?
Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you hear the singers roar?
When the lost began to sing of
Jesus Christ the saving One.

And we can see that, God, You're moving.
A mighty river through the nations,
And young and old will turn to Jesus.
Fling wide, you heavenly gates;
prepare the way of the risen Lord.

Open up the doors and let the music play;
let the streets resound with singing.
Songs that bring Your hope, songs that bring Your joy,
dancers who dance upon injustice.

Do you feel the darkness tremble
When all the saints join in one song
And all the streams flow as one river
To wash away our brokenness?

And here we see that, God, You're moving.
A time of jubilee is coming
When young and old return to Jesus.
Fling wide, you heavenly gates;
Prepare the way of the risen Lord.

Open up the doors and let the music play;
let the streets resound with singing.
Songs that bring Your hope, songs that bring Your joy,
dancers who dance upon injustice.*

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and always…

* Lyrics courtesy of Delirious
Song Title: Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble
From: Cutting Edge Disc 2, Live And In The Can
Martin Smith - ©1994 Curious? Music UK (Kingway's Thankyou Music) / ASCAP /



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